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Connecting your Apple iPad to Wi-Fi allows you to browse the Internet from nearly any location or hotspot that offers wireless network access. In many cases, Wi-Fi offers faster Internet speeds and runs more efficiently than most cellular data networks. You can connect your iPad to an open or hidden Wi-Fi network using the Settings menu on your device.

Steps

Method1

Connecting to Open Wi-Fi Networks

1

Tap on “Settings,” then tap on “Wi-Fi.”

2

Toggle the Wi-Fi slider button to the “On” position. Your iPad will automatically begin searching for nearby available Wi-Fi networks within range.

3

Tap on the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join. If the Wi-Fi network is open and unsecure, your iPad will automatically connect to that particular network.

If trying to connect to a secure, locked Wi-Fi network, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network, then tap on “Join.” A checkmark will display to the left of the wireless network, and your iPad will now be connected to the Wi-Fi network selected.[1]

Method2

Connecting to Hidden Wi-Fi Networks

1

Tap on “Settings,” then tap on “Wi-Fi.”

2

Toggle the Wi-Fi slider button to the “On” position, then tap on “Other.”

3

Enter the name of the hidden Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect. You must enter the exact name and spelling of the network to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network.

4

Tap on “Security,” then tap on the security type for the network. For example, if you’re trying to connect to a business Wi-Fi network that runs on WPA2, tap on “WPA2 Enterprise.”

If you’re not sure about the Wi-Fi network’s security type, consult with the network administrator for that particular hotspot or Wi-Fi network.

5

Tap on “Other Network,” then type the password for the Wi-Fi network into the password field.

6

Tap on “Join.” A checkmark will display to the left of the wireless network, and your iPad will now be connected to Wi-Fi.

Try resetting the network settings on your iPad if you are unable to access the Wi-Fi options on your device. Resetting the network settings will reset all Wi-Fi passwords, as well as APN and VPN settings.

Tap on “Settings,” then tap on “General.”

Tap on “Reset,” then tap on “Reset Network Settings.” Your iPad’s network settings will now be reset.

3

Verify that your Wi-Fi router is powered on, and that you’re within range of the router if you’re having problems connecting to the Wi-Fi network. In some cases, being too far away from the router can cause connectivity problems, especially if the Wi-Fi signal is relatively low.

4

Try restarting both your iPad and the Wi-Fi router if you’re unable to establish a connection between the devices. Restarting both devices may help establish a strong, fresh connection.

5

Try connecting another device to the Wi-Fi network to rule out problems with the network if experiencing connectivity issues. If the problem lies with your iPad, you may need to reset your iPad, or restore the original factory settings.[2]

Connect the iPad to your computer using a USB cable, then launch iTunes.

Click on your iPad in iTunes, then click “Restore” on the Summary tab.

Click on “Restore” again to verify you want the factory settings restored on the iPad. iTunes will restore your iPad, and display the welcome screen upon startup.

References

Article Info

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 2,774 times.